Rob Lowe marks 30 years of sobriety with powerful message

The 56-year-old actor and director marked the milestone achievement in an Instagram post, reminding others who may be struggling to reach out and ask for help.

"30 years ago today, I found a sober life of true happiness and fulfillment," Lowe wrote. "I am filled with gratitude on this anniversary. From a treatment center in Arizona to a bomb shelter in Israel, I have come to know many extraordinary people, and the fellowship of recovery has changed my life and given me gifts beyond my selfish imaginings."

"If you, or someone you love is struggling with any kind of addiction, there is hope! Love to you all," the post concluded.

The award-winning actor announced his sobriety on May 10, 1990, at the age of 26. In January, he admitted he was worried about missing out on "having fun" by giving up alcohol.

"It becomes a full-time job," he told Kelly Clarkson on The Kelly Clarkson Show. "But it changed my life, it's the best thing I ever did."

"My big worry when I got sober was I wasn't gonna have fun anymore," Lowe continued. "I was young, I was 26, and I was like 'I'm not giving up my fun!' and I could never imagine 'so when I get married I'm not gonna have a drink? So when I have a kid I'm not gonna have a whiskey?' Guess what? Yes, I didn't have any of that and it's awesome."

The Outsiders actor has a record of marking his sobriety every year to celebrate his recovery. Last year, in 2019, he shared a throwback photo to his Instagram, announcing 29 years being drug and alcohol free — always encouraging others to seek help to overcome addiction.

"Thank you to all those who have inspired me on this wonderful, challenging and life-changing journey," Lowe wrote. "If you, or someone you know, are struggling with alcohol or addiction, there CAN be a future of hope, health and happiness . And it comes one day at a time."

In a 2014 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Lowe revealed that he "loved" going to rehab. "I didn't love the fact that I had to go and it was unbelievably painful but I like the science. I couldn't have gotten sober without rehab because I needed the science. I needed to do the work. It was like going to law school."